Date of Graduation
5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Marketing
Advisor/Mentor
MacGowan, Rebecca
Abstract
Management and leadership, though often conflated, represent distinct but complementary skills that are critical for organizational success. This thesis aims to explore the fundamental differences between management and leadership, highlighting how these roles interact and the necessity for individuals to master both to excel in today’s dynamic business environment. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from psychology, organizational behavior, and case studies, this research synthesizes academic literature to address key questions: What core competencies distinguish leaders from managers? How do these competencies align or conflict with one another in real-world settings? And what practical steps can individuals take to develop proficiency in both domains? A comprehensive review of literature explores contemporary views, including traits such as vision, influence, and innovation in leadership versus operational control, planning, and efficiency in management. The analysis further explores the interplay between emotional intelligence and decision-making, focusing on how leaders inspire, while managers implement.
The findings suggest that mastering both management and leadership is critical to organizational performance. Key pathways for developing these skills include adaptive learning, mentorship programs, and experiential training that promote situational flexibility. The thesis concludes with a roadmap for aspiring leaders and managers, proposing a holistic development strategy that integrates the art of leading with the science of managing, ensuring individuals are equipped to meet the complex demands of modern organizations.
Keywords
Management; Leadership; Steve Jobs; Jack Welch; Business Leader; Business Management; Strategic Management; Organizational Outcomes; Operational Effectiveness; Emotional Intelligence; Visionary Leadership
Citation
Key, W. A. (2025). Bridging the Gap: Management vs. Leadership and the Path to Mastering Both. Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/mktguht/96
Included in
Business and Corporate Communications Commons, Industrial and Organizational Psychology Commons, Leadership Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, Performance Management Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons, Training and Development Commons
